Management of dysarthria

Question 1

What is the primary goal in the management of dysarthria?

Answer 1

to help the client achieve effective, efficient, and natural communication

Question 2

What is the goal in the “restore” aspect of communication?

Answer 2

reduce impairment by restoring natural function; this suits patients whose prognosis is a partial or a full recovery

Question 3

What is the goal in the “compensate” aspect of communication?

Answer 3

To encourage the use of leftover function that already exists to make up for what is lost (e.g., AAC). These may be considered even if restorative strategies are chosen.

Question 4

What does the “adjust” aspect of managemen of dysarthria refer for?

Answer 4

Temporary or permanent lifestyle changes

Question 5

What are the 4 main approaches to dysarthria intervention?

Answer 5

counseling and support; medical intervention; prosthetic intervention; and behavior management

Question 6

What is an example of medical intervention?

Answer 6

direct (e.g., botox or pharyngeal flap or indirect (e.g., Mestinon for MG or DBS for PD)

Question 7

What is an example of prosthetic intervention?

Answer 7

palatal lift to modify vocal tract; voice amplifier to modify speech signal; DAF to modify manner of speech production

Question 8

Behavioral management refers to

Answer 8

speeech and communication

Question 9

What are the two general treatment strategies?

Answer 9

communication oriented and speech oriented

Question 10

What are the 5 factors related to patient motivation and needs?

Answer 10

Personal goals, lifestyle, healthcare system, general health issues, co-existing sensory, motor, and cognitive deficits, and premorbid personality

Question 11

What are examples of communication oriented strategies for the speaker?

Answer 11

check if the listener is comprehending you; set the context and topic; use gestures; get the listener’s attention; use the alphabet if needed

Question 12

What are examples of communication oriented strategies for the listener?

Answer 12

keep eye contact; make the environment conducive for good conversation; boost listening skills

Question 13

What are examples of communication oriented strategies for interactions?

Answer 13

Establish what works best and when; schedule important discussion; repair breakdowns; choose a place appropriate for speaking and listening

Question 14

What are examples of speech-oriented strategies for respiration/speech breathing?

Answer 14

adjusting posture, push/pull exercises, and neck breathing

Question 15

What are examples of speech oriented strategies for phonation?

Answer 15

LSVT (especially for hypokinetic dysarthria); breathy onset; speak as soon as you exhale